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How can I get a DNA report to trace my ancestry. I did the free 1 with Sorrenson, but no detailed info given.

I have traced my roots back ten generations to my Great, Great, Great Grandmother Nancy McKinney, who had children with her slave master who came to America from Scotland. this is where I am stuck. I'm hoping that DNA results will help me find out where she was from. I've seen stories of people tracing there roots back to Africa or other places. I really would like to know where Nancy came from before she was bought as a slave by Moses McKinney Jr. in Georgia, Then they moved to Coosa County Alabama. This is where many of my relatives still live today. I've visited the county court house there and received most of my research there. I am stuck and would really like help. I am already a member of Ancestry.com and that has helped expand my Family Tree to over 2000 members and down to 10 generations. Please help if you can. Thank you

Public Comments

1. The only thing an ancestry dna will tell you is what percentage nationality your are. Like 30% native american, 70% european. That won't really tell you where a particular ancestor is from only hint at it. Have you tried checking the census reports to see if you can find her anywhere. Start with the last known place she was and work backwards. This is only good for the US of course but it may give you some hints as it ask their birth place. good luck
2. I saw a program on PBS about tracing with DNA. U may go to the site and see what U can find. According to the program, DNA does NOT trace ancestry. It traces Human Migration. But, I could be wrong. Check out PBS.
3. In working with an Afro American line, and already having 10 generations... you have already done MUCH more than most will ever find. You need to stick around and answer others when they are starting your trail. Off the top of my head, your answers will remain mostly at the courthouses in the deed books, or possibly in wills. In other words, you know Moses purchased her? who was the former owner, and did he leave records? If you have his name, you hop over to his "side" and chat with whoever has verified where he lived or came from. Land records/deeds are seldom online, but you can find an LDS family history center, and order them on microfilm. It can be tedious (for those who are used to online work).. but at one time, that was the main source. I remember many a sore arm from cranking a film machine. I also wonder if you have stopped by rootsweb.com, and looked for their mailing lists. Network with others who have already worked on Afro American research. I'm skeptical that DNA will answer what you want, in any more detail than you have. It will not show specific ancestors, or even locations. Most of what I know of DNA usage in direct genealogy involves direct males lines, AND comparing those results between other male descendents. Don't quote me there. I understand that Oprah did such testing, and supposedly her results were able to pinpoint an area in Africa. This was surprising to me. I'd personally run down the specific company that did her testing, and work with someone there who know the particulars.
4. First, I commend you for the successful research you have already done! I don't know that DNA testing can present either percentages or pinpoint locations. Genealogically yDNA is used to identify close relationships with others of the same surname - or not. Deep ancestry goes back so far it would be meaningless. Don't forget that all our ancestors were migrant hunter-gatherers, some even in historical times. Until importation of slaves was made illegal in the USA about 1800 there may (or may not) be existing records to find, but pretty chancy. Odds are better in the south where the law was more blatantly ignored where records are concerned.